Asian, Pacific Islander heritage honored
>> Montgomery County’s Asian and Pacific Islander community was formally recognized last week as the Montgomery County Commissioners presented a proclamation designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
“It’s been a wonderful relationship that the AAPI community has been building in Montgomery County, and I’m so honored to receive this proclamation. Thank you so much for your recognition,” said Sharon Hartz, president of the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia.
First established in 1992, Congress passed legislation featuring May as Asian Pacific American
Heritage Month, according to the proclamation. Approximately 8 percent of Montgomery County residents are of Asian and Pacific Islander descent.
“Those of Asian and Pacific Islander origin contribute to and enrich our community with their creativity, enterprise and skill as professors, scientists, technologists, doctors, students, entrepreneurs, artists, workers, writers, investors, elected officials, philanthropists and more, building and supporting a vibrant and resilient economy in Montgomery County,” the proclamation states.
Paresh Birla, a member of the Pennsylvania Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, agreed, expressing his appreciation to county leadership.
“It is a good recognition to know we are part of a society,” Birla said during the May 6 virtual meeting.
Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Ken Lawrence Jr. emphasized the importance of Birla’s words, adding that “you are absolutely a part of our community, and we’re happy to give this recognition.”
Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Val Arkoosh spotlighted the efforts of organizations like the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, who have helped to sew masks and assist in vaccination outreach campaigns.
“On behalf of the county, I just want to say how grateful we all are to the community for your partnership, your friendship and all that you’ve done for the Montgomery County community during this time,” Arkoosh said.
Members of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners have issued statements calling for unity and kindness, denouncing instances of discrimination and racism against the Asian American Pacific Islander community across the country.
“Those of Asian and Pacific Islander origin are our beloved friends and family, our cherished neighbors, and valued members of Montgomery County, where we remain committed to embracing and accepting all our residents from diverse backgrounds,” the proclamation states.
There’ve been vigils held in recent months in Conshohocken and Norristown to rally around the community.
Last Thursday’s proclamation was signed by Arkoosh and Lawrence. Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale’s name was not listed on the proclamation. Gale addressed the omission, alleging that his “colleagues deliberately exclude my name from the proclamations to be vindictive and petty towards me.”
“I’d like to apologize to the Asian Americans across Montgomery County,” Gale said. “This is very insulting to them, and the whole purpose is to celebrate the achievements of the Asian American community, and also not to divide but to bring us all together, and this clearly does not do that.”